CONSTELLATION LOOKS TO TURNER ROAD TO BOOST CALIFORNIA

Published: 23 July, 2008

Constellation Europe aims to replicate its Hardy and Banrock Station brands with a three-tier range of California wines at three price points - 4.99, 5.99 and 6.99 - called Turner Road. Christopher Carson, Constellation Europe's chief executive officer, told Harpers that he looked to Australia as the template when they they approached the blending of Turner Road. Helen Wright, senior brand manager, California, said: Turner Road has been developed by our winemakers to enable us to significantly grow our share in the US wine category. The United States, and in particular California, is currently experiencing tremendous growth, at 28%.' Named after Constellation's Turner Road winery, which is close to the Sacramento River delta in the heart of Lodi, the range comprises four dual-varietal wines with a recommended retail price of 4.99 - 2003 Sauvignon/Semillon; 2003 Chardonnay/Pinot Grigio; 2002 Cabernet/Merlot; 2002 Cabernet/Zinfandel. The 5.99 Reserve range is 2003 Chardonnay, 2001 Merlot, 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon; and finally the Turner Road Vineyards Reserve range comprises two wines from specific subregions in California: a Central Coast Chardonnay and a Shiraz from Lodi, both with an SRP of 6.99. Carson said: Having established a platform of 1 million cases plus with Echo Falls, Paul Masson and Seventh Moon, we see the introduction of this new range of wines as being the spearhead of our attack on market share at these price points.' Turner Road will be available to trade from September.